Choose Your River

Experience the Western Difference...

Western River Expeditions helped
pioneer the concept of rafting vacations over five decades
ago. Since 1961, consistent dedication to quality, excellence
in trip safety, integrity, and experience of guides provides
ample confidence that you're traveling with the best. Every
year, Western River Expeditions escorts more people down the
rivers we run than anyone else. In addition to thousands of
repeat customers, over 75% of our new guests come each year
as a result of the recommendations of
past guests. Many of these recommendations are due to
the following areas we feel we have honed to the highest standards
of quality.

Why Choose a Western River Expedition?
Select any item below to learn more »

Western's claim to the best guides and trip leaders is not taken lightly; it is supported by rigorous selection and in-depth training sharply defined by four decades of experience. Each Western guide experiences nearly 300 hours of training before escorting his or her first guest down the river. This training includes swift water rescue certification, CPR and First Aid Certification, a state licensing test, food handler's education, on-river cooking courses, geology and interpretation classes, and Western's renowned custom guide-training program. The result? Trips unfold safely and seamlessly. The men and women who lead our trips are intelligent, personable, fun, responsible and dedicated.

When you are enjoying an adventure vacation, it is important that you are comfortable and well-taken care of. At Western River Expeditions, we take great care to assure that all of our river equipment is in top-quality condition at all times. Camping equipment, including cots, tents, and sleeping bags, are consistently upgraded to make sure you have the most comfortable camping experience possible. Staff is employed to search for the best equipment and gear available. Each raft in our fleet is upgraded on a regular basis so that you will have the latest and safest rafting equipment on every trip. So let us worry about the details and come and savor a relaxing vacation with Western. Learn More about Western's Fleet of Rafts »

Whatever your trip choice, you'll find that every Western River Expedition is packed with the same first class amenities: Deluxe tents and cots, comfortable camp chairs, delicious Dutch-oven dinners, buffet breakfasts and lunches, expertly-trained guides, and top-quality rafts and equipment - all included in the trip price. Some outfitters impose additional fees for camping gear and rafting equipment, but not Western. It's adventure made easy. All you have to do is show up!

Travel Planning Also Made Easy

Knowing that a vacation can often be more work than fun, Western has taken the hassle out of traveling and packing. After you reserve your Western River Expedition, you'll receive a detailed list of everything you need to bring as well as a catalog featuring recommended items from our online store. You'll also receive detailed information of where and when to meet before your trip along with several simple options for getting there.

Whether you’re a veteran camper or experiencing sleeping in the outdoors for the first time, Western makes camping simple. All you need to worry about is packing your personal items in a soft-sided duffle bag. We’ll supply the rest:

Comfortable cots make sleeping and relaxing on the river easy (provided on all Utah, Grand Canyon and Main Salmon Idaho trips).

Roomy tents are always available and easy to set up. You may be like many of our river guests who prefer to sleep under the vast canopy of stars. If you haven’t ever experienced camping in the desert you’ll be surprised at how dry and comfortable everything stays when sleeping under the stars.

Toilet facilities are available from the time we pull into camp until we leave the following day. A portable toilet and hand wash system that is set up each day in camp in a secluded location that assures privacy.

To ensure you have a pleasurable and comfortable camping experience, Western will provide a detailed camping orientation before your first night in camp.

Whether you're rafting, hiking, paddling or just relaxing, outdoor adventure just seems to work up a well-deserved appetite. Over the last 50 years, Western has fine-tuned a menu that will surprise and please those hearty appetites. Learn More »

Nothing creates bonds and deepens friendships like an outdoor family adventure. Those of us at Western River Expeditions who are parents and grandparents understand the importance of creating memorable, active vacations for children and adults who want to share the most unforgettable, fun-filled vacation possible. Since minimum age on Western's rafting trips ranges from 5 to 12, there are plenty of options for the whole family. See List of Family Trips »

In addition to hundreds of hours of on-river training, all of Western's guides have advanced first aid and CPR certifications. Many hold EMT and Wilderness First Responder qualifications. In addition, every trip is equipped with ample safety and first aid equipment as well as satellite phones for emergency use.

Our guides start each trip with a comprehensive orientation, much of it concerning safety. They instruct you on where and how to sit in the boat. They demonstrate proper use of your life jacket. They show you how to hold on in the rapids. In camp and on hikes, our guides remain alert, always watching out for your well-being. Our goal is to help you enjoy your best travel adventure ever…comfortably and safely.

Western River Expeditions' "Guiding Green" initiative is our way of giving back to the environment. A combined effort from guests, guides and our entire company make a difference for the rivers and canyons in which we operate.

Western's guides work, live and play in truly pristine natural settings. Since 1961, our goal has been to minimize the impact of our visit by living the "take only photos, leave only footprints" philosophy. We work hard to maintain our natural surroundings…picking up litter (even the tiniest food scrap), managing and carrying out human waste, setting up cots and tents only in certain areas, and hiking just on designated trails. We recycle and use recycled products. We teach our guests how to respect and care for the environment.
Learn More about "Guiding Green"»

You don't have to take our word for it.
See what our guests have to say »

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, experience
astounding views of hidden waterfalls, ancient Indian
ruins, lush hanging gardens, and magnificent overlooks.
Raft the best whitewater on the Colorado River and
savor calm moments on the river to reflect and renew.

Idaho is home to the largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48 states. Rivers dance between Idaho's towering mountain peaks and rugged alpine beauty. Come embark on a journey in style and comfort through the canyons of Idaho.

A dramatic contrast to the red rock canyon of the Southwest, Oregon's dense pine forests, and the legendary allure of the Rogue River attract visitors worldwide. Unique to the Rogue River rafting trip is the luxury of staying each night in remote lodges along the river - no camping on this lodge to lodge river rafting trip.